I am sure that the answer to this question is "well of course!" But naturally, I'm looking for any additional specifics or pearls of wisdom that can be thrown out on this forum.
I currently play on a Burkart handmade model with a Clarion cut headjoint. It has a lovely, rather bright sound. Funny enough, in orchestras, I am rarely told that I'm too loud or shrill, but in wind ensembles, I see the palm of the conductor's hand far more often than I see an encouraging cue for my entrance!
I was wondering whether trying different headjoints might give me some options for darkening the sound a bit, and perhaps making a few of the quirky notes on the instrument (like high b natural) speak a little more clearly without me having to feel like I'm rolling the dice on whether I can produce them nicely or not.
Any recommendations on piccolo headjoint manufacturers to try out? Or really is this just a question of time, practice and intelligent work to gain more control of the upper register?
Piccolo headjoints - do they make a difference?
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Piccolo headjoints - do they make a difference?
Forewarned is forearmed, and four-armed is half an octopus.
Re: Piccolo headjoints - do they make a difference?
My son plays a Burkart Professional, it originally came with a (Grenadilla) wave headjoint, It is an awesome sounding Piccolo as it was. We went to JB Weissman to try out Flute headjoints, and before leaving, we tried a few of his handmade Piccolo headjoints, well the last one he tried, was a Cocobola with a gold wing, and this headjoint gave the Piccolo an unbelievable "Orchestrial" sound. Now, he has become more professional, and has also purchased a Burkart Silver Clarion headjoint, that really brightens it up for certain pieces. So, that all being said, He uses three different HJ's with his Burkart Grenadilla picc, all giving it a different personality.